Bill Simmons, a well-known sports podcaster, is currently under scrutiny by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission after admitting to proxy betting on his podcast. The commission is investigating following Simmons’ acknowledgment of using his daughter’s boyfriend to place bets on his behalf. This admission came during a recent podcast episode, broadcast two days before the commission announced the review.
Simmons, who founded The Ringer, resides in California where sports betting is illegal. In Massachusetts, placing bets via mobile and online platforms is permitted, but proxy betting, where someone places bets for another person, remains illegal. FanDuel, the sportsbook involved, prohibits such activities. Simmons utilized a proxy to access his account and place wagers in Massachusetts.
The Commission is aware of the comments made on the Bill Simmons Podcast and staff are currently reviewing the matter,” a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission stated.
FanDuel, The Ringer’s exclusive sports betting partner, reported the situation to the commission and nullified Simmons’ bets. In the podcast, Simmons mentioned his determination to place bets, specifically on UCLA games, despite not being able to do it himself because he was in Los Angeles. He noted that his daughter couldn’t assist and his father was not capable either.
Simmons further explained the process: he would receive a code to confirm his identity, relay it to his daughter’s boyfriend, who would then log in and place the bets. Simmons had remaining funds from successful bets the previous year and felt comfortable with the arrangement, describing it as a bonding experience.
In a subsequent episode, Simmons expressed his unawareness of the rules against proxy betting, explaining, “I did not know about the proxy rules,” and acknowledged his violation of the rules, stating that his bets were voided and he had learned his lesson.
Bill Simmons, formerly with ESPN, ranks among the top podcasters in the nation. His podcast, “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” currently holds the No. 22 overall position and No. 2 in the sports category on Spotify. In 2020, Spotify purchased The Ringer, encompassing its sports and pop culture network, for over $200 million, highlighting Simmons’ significant influence in the industry.
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